2 minute read
Identifying Water Damage
Expert Contributor
Written by Kevin O’Donnell, O’Donnell Roofing Co.
Photo Courtesy of Dan Hall Photography
Identifying Water Damage
Aside from a broken heating system or appliance, water may be the biggest source of frustration for homeowners. Water can do a lot of damage if not managed properly, as it can damage almost every building material. Though most exterior claddings, such as roofing and siding, are specifically engineered to keep your home dry, there can always be instances of leaks, and being able to identify the source is the first step to an efficient repair.
Starting in the basement, if you notice moisture on the floor or on the walls, it is likely due to groundwater rising through the slab, or from runoff seeping through a foundation crack. Some homes are just built in areas that used to have natural streams running through them, or are down in a valley. Keeping a basement dry could require a simple repair, or the installation of exterior or interior drainage systems. There are several companies who specialize in precisely this type of work.
Finding a water stain on the first floor of a two-story home can get a bit tricky. Though it’s not uncommon for a roof or siding leak to travel through the walls of a home, sometimes it ends up being an issue with plumbing pipes, or condensation from HVAC ducts. The best way to differentiate these leaks is to establish the location of the water. Is it on an exterior wall? Is it under or above a window? Is it under the bathroom? Is it near an HVAC register? Does it happen only when it rains? If so, is it only during a wind driven rain?
Most building owners find water infiltration in the living space located directly below the roof or attic space. At this point, it can really only be a few things: a roof leak, a masonry leak, or condensation. A roof leak can happen because of damaged or missing shingles, nail-pops penetrating back up through the shingle, improperly installed flashing, just to name a few. For these instances, there are specially designed paints and clear sealants used to eliminate this saturation of the materials.
These solutions can be the first steps anyone can take to identifying water damage and repairing it. If significant damage has been done, you may need to contact your local professional for further assistance.
O'Donnell Roofing Co.
4th Generation Owned & Operated Residential & Commercial Roofing
Tel. 610-449-8188 www.ODonnellRoofingCo.com
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